System for Scope Leveling

ABSTRACT

A system and method for scope leveling. The scope has a scope body. The scope body has a leveling indicator. In one example, the leveling indicator is an engraved line which extends longitudinally along the length of the scope. The scope is manipulated such that the leveling indicator is properly aligned relative to a mount. The system and method results in a level scope which reduces canted angles and increases accuracy.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 62/619,941 filed Jan.22, 2018, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for leveling ascope.

Description of Related Art

Rifles and other firearms use scopes to aid in the shooter's aim.However, if a scope is mounted incorrectly, the projectile, such as abullet, will not hit the desired target. Consequently, there is a needfor a system and method which simplifies scope mounting and leveling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe best understood by reference to the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the effects of a canted rifle hold onbullet trajectory.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a scope in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a scope mount in one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view of a scope mounted in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will beidentified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

A scope is often mounted to a firearm, such as a rifle, to aid theshooter in aiming at a target. While a rifle will be used as an example,this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemedlimiting. As discussed, virtually any item which utilizes a scope canutilize the system. To be accurate, scopes must the level to the boreaxis of the rifle. If the scope is not level, this can result in extremeinaccuracy, especially at extended ranges.

The bullet and the scope sit on two separate axes which must correctlyintersect at a specified point, referred to as the zero point. If thetwo axes do not align vertically, the scope will no longer intersect thebullet path beyond the zero point after an elevation adjustment to thescope.

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the effects of a canted rifle hold onbullet trajectory. As depicted, even though the reticle is still ontarget and level in the field of view, the rifle is now canted, ortilted, relative to the scope. This results in giving the bullet theangled path, as shown. The vertical hold shows the apex of the verticaltrajectory. However, a canted hold, which results if the scope is notlevel with the rifle, results in an undesirable bullet path which doesnot hit the desired target. Accordingly, regardless of the accuracy ofthe scope, if the scope is not level with the rifle, the desired targetwill not be obtained. As depicted in FIG. 1, the bullet hit below and tothe left of the desired target impact.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a scope in one embodiment. The scope 100 cancomprise virtually any scope known in the art. The scope 100 can includevarious sizes, lengths, shapes, etc. Further, the scope 100 can beattached to the firearm via any method or device known in the art. Inone embodiment the scope 100 is not mounted to a rifle which has apicatinny rail.

FIG. 2 shows a front side 101 a of the scope 100. In one embodiment, theback side 101 b (not depicted) would look and appear similar.

As depicted, a logo 106 is depicted on the scope 100. The logo cancomprise graphics, text, trademarks, etc. which are commonly used toidentify the scope manufacturer. While the figure depicts a logo 106,this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemedlimiting. In other embodiments, for example, no logo is utilized.

In one embodiment, the scope 100 further comprises a leveling indicator105. A leveling indicator, as used herein, refers to an indicator whichwhen properly aligned demonstrates that the scope is level. The levelingindicator 105 can be located anywhere on the scope. In one embodimentthe leveling indicator 105 is located along the body of the scope, whichis defined as the area between the opposing lenses. In one embodimentthe scope is mounted to the firearm by coupling the firearm to the bodyof the scope.

In one embodiment the leveling indicator 105 comprises no moving partsor liquids. In one embodiment the leveling indicator 105 is a graphic ortext. In one embodiment the leveling indicator is laser engraved intothe scope 100. The leveling indicator 105 can comprise a line, or atleast two points which can be aligned to indicate when the scope islevel relative to a fixed and level surface or part.

In one embodiment, the leveling indicator 105 is an engraved line whichextends longitudinally along the length of the scope. The levelingindicator 105 can comprise virtually any shape, thickness, and/or color.The leveling indicator 105, in one embodiment, has a length ranging fromabout ¼ of an inch to more than one inch.

The leveling indicator 105 can comprise a variety of thicknesses. In oneembodiment the leveling indicator 105 is relatively thin to ensure andallow for proper alignment of the scope.

The application of the leveling indicator 105 will be discussed inreference to a ring and mount system. This, however, is for illustrativepurposes only and should not be deemed limiting. The leveling indicator105 can be used with virtually any mounting system which allows theleveling indicator 105 to be used as a reference to ensure the scope 100is level when properly installed.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a scope mount in one embodiment. As depicted,the scope mount 103 comprises an open bottom half-ring. The top half ofthe ring can be removed, as depicted, by removing screws, bolts, or thelike. In other embodiments, the top half is hingedly connected by ahinge or other similar device. The open ring allows a scope 100 to beplaced within the open ring. The top ring can then be attached to securethe scope 100 within the mount.

The mount 103 is coupled to the firearm 102 via the coupler 104. Thecoupler 104 can couple to the firearm 102 via any method or device knownin the art.

As noted, the firearm 102 can comprise any firearm which is used tolaunch or shoot a projectile, such as a bullet.

FIG. 4 is a view of a scope mounted in one embodiment. For illustrativepurposes, the top ring has not been secured. When installing the scope100, the open bottom ring of the mount 103 is level with the firearm.Accordingly, if the scope 100 is level relative to the mount 103, thescope 100 is likewise level relative to the firearm.

The user can ensure the scope is level relative to the scope 100 byaligning the leveling indicator 105 relative to the mount 103. As shown,the leveling indicator 105 comprises a line running at least a portionof the length of the scope 100. The user can rotate and adjust the scope100 as necessary to align the leveling indicator 105 so that it is evenand level with the top of the open mount 103. The same is conducted onthe back side of the scope. The result is a scope 100 that is verifiablylevel relative to the mount 103 and relative to the firearm.

While the system has been described, a method of utilizing the systemwill now be described. First, a mount 103 is coupled to a firearm. Themount 103 is coupled via any method or device known in the art. Themount 103 is coupled so as to be level with the firearm. Thus, if thescope is properly installed relative to the mount 103, the scope 100will likewise be level relative to the firearm.

In one embodiment the mount 103 comprises an open bottom ring.Thereafter, a scope comprising a leveling indicator 105 is inserted intothe mount 103. The scope 100 is manipulated, rotated, etc. so as toalign the leveling indicator 105 with the top level line of the mount103. The user repeats the process for the back side. In one embodiment,if the front side is properly aligned, the back side will beautomatically properly aligned.

Thereafter, the remainder of the mount 103 can be properly installed tosecure the scope 100 within the mount 103.

The system and method discussed herein has several benefits. First, thesystem and method ensures the scope 100 is properly aligned and levelwhen secured. As noted, this reduces the possibility that the scope 100will have a canted angle relative to the firearm. This increasesaccuracy of the scope and the firearm. When accuracy is increased,safety is likewise increased.

Second, the system and method does not require any external parts ortools for the leveling function. Previous attempts to level scopesrequired complex mounting and leveling applications. These complex toolsand applications are eliminated. Instead, the leveling indicator 105 islocated on the scope. A user can remove a first scope 100 and replace itwith a seconds scope 100 which comprises a leveling indicator 105without requiring a separate tool for leveling.

Third, the system and method adds built in advantages to the scope 100.These benefits will translate to brand recognition and brand loyalty.Even if a scope were structurally sound, if they are installedincorrectly, accuracy will suffer. This decreased performance will beattributed to the scope manufacturer. However, by increasing theconsistency of leveling, and reducing the complexity of leveling thescope, users will have a positive experience with the scope. As noted,this increases brand appreciation and brand loyalty.

As noted, in one embodiment the leveling indicator 105 is engravedwithin the outer surface of the scope. In other embodiments the levelingindicator 105 is printed onto the surface of the scope 100. In oneembodiment the leveling indicator 105 is embedded within the logo 106 ofthe scope 100. This allows the scope manufacturer to promote the brandwithout having a separate leveling indicator 105. In other embodiments,however, the leveling indicator 105 comprises a separate line.

In one embodiment the scope 100 comprises a plurality of levelingindicators along its length. As noted, while the leveling indicator 105has been illustrated as a line, this is simply one example and shouldnot be deemed limiting. In other embodiments the leveling indicator 105can comprise a series of dots or other design elements which provide areference point for leveling. As an example, the leveling indicator cancomprise an “X” followed by a second “X”.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A scope comprising: a scope body connecting twolenses on opposing ends; a leveling indicator located on said scopebody.
 2. The scope of claim 1 wherein said leveling indicator comprisesa line.
 3. The scope of claim 1 wherein said leveling indicatorcomprises at least two discrete points.
 4. The scope of claim 1 whereinsaid leveling indicator is engraved on said scope body.
 5. The scope ofclaim 1 wherein said leveling indicator has a length of between about ¼of an inch to about 1 inch.
 6. The scope of claim 1 wherein saidleveling indicator does not comprise any moving parts.
 7. A system forleveling, said system comprising: a scope comprising a scope bodyconnecting two lenses on opposing ends; a leveling indicator located onsaid scope body; a mount for coupling with said scope body; wherein saidleveling indicator aligns with said mount when said scope is level. 8.The system of claim 6 wherein said mount comprises a bottom ring.
 9. Thesystem of claim 7 further comprising a removable top ring.
 10. Thesystem of claim 6 wherein said mount comprises a level point.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said leveling indicator does not comprise anymoving parts.
 12. A method of leveling a scope, said method comprising:a) obtaining a scope comprising a leveling indicator; b) positioningsaid scope adjacent a mount; c) manipulating said scope to align saidleveling indicator with a surface of said mount.
 13. The method of claim12 wherein said leveling indicator does not comprise any moving parts.14. The method of claim 12 wherein said mount comprises a bottom ring.15. The method of claim 14 further comprising a removable top ring.